Suspects Charged in Aggravated Battery and Mob Action

On July 12, 2014 at approximately 9:54 p.m., Park Ridge Police responded to the area of 25 N. Busse Highway for the report of a battery. Upon arrival, officers observed a group of approximately 200 youths in the park, some of whom began to flee the area. Officers then located the victim, a 48 year old Park Ridge man, and observed that he had minor injuries on his head and face. Victim and witness statements indicate that the victim was in the park, attempting to locate his son, when an unknown person threw lit fireworks near him and a group of young girls. The victim attempted to identify the individual responsible when he was surrounded and verbally assaulted. At some point, the victim was pushed by the one of the suspects and fell to the ground. While on the ground, the victim and witnesses relate that he was repeatedly punched and kicked by three individuals. The victim sought medical treatment for cuts and bruises and was diagnosed with a concussion.

The Park Ridge Police Department investigated the incident and, after consulting with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, charged the following suspects for their involvement:

Jordan Gonzalez, 18 years of age, of 1020 Arthur, Park Ridge, IL was charged with one count of Aggravated Battery (Class 3 Felony) and one count of Mob Action (Class 4 Felony);

Mac Piazza, 18 years of age, of 6285 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago, IL was charged with one count of Aggravated Battery (Class 3 Felony) and one count of Mob Action (Class 4 Felony);

A 16 year old juvenile will be petitioned to juvenile court for one count of Aggravated Battery (Class 3 Felony) and one count of Mob Action (Class 4 Felony).

Gonzalez and Piazza were taken to Cook County Court, District 2, Skokie for a bond hearing this morning.